Processing Ordinality and Quantity: The Case of Developmental Dyscalculia
2011

Understanding Ordinality and Quantity in Developmental Dyscalculia

Sample size: 28 publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Orly Rubinsten, Dana Sury

Primary Institution: University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel

Hypothesis

Are there two separate core systems for processing numerical magnitude and ordinal information?

Conclusion

The study suggests that individuals with developmental dyscalculia may have a specific deficit in processing ordinal information, separate from quantity processing.

Supporting Evidence

  • DD participants exhibited a normal ratio effect in the non-symbolic task.
  • Ordinality effect appeared only in the descending direction for DD participants.
  • Both groups used ratios and direction to retrieve ordinal information.
  • DD participants relied on linguistic cues to facilitate ordinal processing.
  • The study suggests a distinction between core systems for quantity and ordinality.

Takeaway

This study looks at how people understand numbers and order. It found that some people have trouble with order, even if they can count well.

Methodology

The study involved two experiments comparing ordinal processing in typically developing adults and adults with developmental dyscalculia using both symbolic and non-symbolic stimuli.

Potential Biases

Potential biases in participant selection and the reliance on self-reported diagnoses.

Limitations

The study's findings may not generalize beyond the specific tasks and stimuli used.

Participant Demographics

28 native Hebrew speaking adults, including 15 typically developing and 13 diagnosed with developmental dyscalculia.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.05

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pone.0024079

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